Capitals Acquire First-Round Pick, Jiri Novotny from Buffalo
February 27, 2007
Dainius Zubrus, Timo Helbling traded to Sabres
WASHINGTON, D.C. – February 27, 2007 – The Washington Capitals acquired a first-round draft pick in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft and center Jiri Novotny from the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for center Dainius Zubrus and defenseman Timo Helbling, vice president and general manager George McPhee announced today.
“Dainius and his agent were first class throughout the negotiations, but unfortunately we had to make a trade,” McPhee said. “Jiri Novotny is a young center who should help our club, and the first-round pick is a valuable asset moving forward.”
The first-round pick gives the Capitals two selections in the first round of this June’s draft and four picks in the first two rounds. Washington has made 11 first-round selections in the past five drafts, more than any other team in the league.
Novotny, 23, has played 64 games the past two seasons for the Sabres, recording eight goals and eight assists (16 points). The 6’2”, 209-pound native of Pelhrimov, Czech Republic, has six goals and seven assists (13 points) in 50 games with Buffalo this year.
Novotny was a first-round draft choice of the Sabres in 2001 (22nd overall) and spent four seasons with the Rochester Americans of the American Hockey League (AHL), posting 17 goals and 37 assists (54 points) for the Amerks last season.
Zubrus, 28, spent parts of six seasons with the Capitals and posted 52 points (20 goals, 32 assists) in 60 games this season. Helbling, 25, played two games with Washington this year while spending most of the season with the AHL’s Hershey Bears.
"I too would loved Zubrus to stay with the Caps but it wasn't gonna happen, not at 3 Million for five years, never. Considering that, McPhee once again made a very good trade. He's getting a good young NHLer in return (for a 2-month rental!), who's got a lot of upside and will be in Washington for many years to come, can play wing and center. Plus a first rounder. Pierre McGuierre just said, someone's gotta rip the bandit's mask off of McPhee's face because he's ripping off his fellow GMs.
Another very good trade by GMGM."
And there's still the possibility to re-sign Zubrus this Summer. If we re-sign him, we'll have lost Zubrus for only two months, in a season that is going nowhere, and won a first-rounder plus Novotny in return.
What does it give the Buffalo Sabres?
Zubrus becomes the third potential unrestricted free agent center on the Sabres roster, after co-captains Daniel Briere and the injured Chris Drury. Injuries necessitated a major move for the Sabres, and Zubrus should help immediately. Zubrus has experience at right wing as well, so if the injured bodies return he could wind up there. Furthermore, he may be easier to re-sign than either Briere or Drury, so GM Darcy Regier has placed himself in a better position for next season.
What does it give the Washington Capitals?
Novotny had no place to play in Buffalo, but he should get plenty of opportunities in Washington. He's a second-line center in the making on a team that desperately needs one. He should fit right in with the Capitals, and look for Novotny to become Alexander Semin's setup man going forward. The first rounder is a major bonus in exchange for a player (Zubrus) that the Caps failed to re-sign before the deal.
Short Term Analysis
The Sabres are huge winners with this deal. Zubrus could make an impact come playoff time. At worst, he provides awesome scoring depth for Buffalo.
Long Term Analysis
Novotny's potential, the inclusion of a first rounder and the uncertainty surrounding Zubrus beyond this season make this move a slam-dunk victory for the Capitals down the road.
